LANSING — Across Michigan, leaders in the movement for fair and humane immigration reform applauded the bipartisan bill that passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday night.    

“We’ve been working for years to make sure that our immigration system reflects our values as a nation– dignity, hard work, family, and fairness.  I’m so happy to see that our Senators are rising to this challenge and have passed a balanced, bipartisan bill,” said Ronnie Peterson, political director of AFSCME Council 25 in Detroit.  

” We expect the full Senate to act in the same spirit of compassion and common sense.” 

The bill passed 13-5, with all Democrats voting for the bill, as well as Republicans John McCain (AZ) and Jeff Flake (AZ), who helped craft the bill as part of the bipartisan Gang of 8.  They were joined by Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah.    

“Tuesday’s vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee shows that bipartisan problem-solving is still possible in Washington DC.  Republicans and Democrats came together to address a crisis that is tearing apart families and holding back our economy, and now we have a balanced plan.  It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a great step in the right direction,” said Graciela Valdez of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Kalamazoo.   

During the committee amendment process, pro-immigrant groups managed to protect key priorities in the bill, including the path to citizenship, and the right for deported family members of US Citizens and residents to apply to return home.  

Advocacy organizations also added improvements, such as an amendment by Richard Blumenthal that will protect schools, hospitals, and places of worship from abusive immigration enforcement by ICE and Border Patrol.  

“I am incredibly encouraged to see the process moving forward.  Faith, business, labor, and community leaders all across West Michigan have come together to support a just and fair reform to our immigration system, and we’re proud to see that the Senate is poised to do the same thing.  When we work together, our elected leaders will work together,” said Gema Lowe, Co-President of Give a Hand for  Second Chance, an immigrant advocacy group based in Grand Rapids.